Horse Racing News: Top Contenders Prepare for Takarazuka Kinen Group 1 Showdown
A talented field of 13 horses, led by the seasoned travelers Do Deuce and Justin Palace, will line up on June 23 for the prestigious Group 1, $3.3 million Takarazuka Kinen at Kyoto Racecourse in Japan. This Grade 1 race is the final major event of the first half of the year and will provide the winner an automatic berth into the $5 million Breeders’ Cup Turf through the Breeders’ Cup Challenge series.
Seasoned Travelers Seek Glory
Both Do Deuce and Justin Palace have experience competing on the international stage, having recently raced in Dubai. Do Deuce, a 5-year-old son of Heart’s Cry trained by Yasuo Tomomichi, finished fifth in the Dubai Turf (G1) at Meydan in March. “In the home straight last time, he wasn’t able to find a way through and get a good finish,” Tomomichi said, “but he has returned to Japan without any problems and has been training well.”
Justin Palace, a 5-year-old trained by Haruki Sugiyama, finished fourth in the longer Dubai Sheema Classic (G1) on Dubai World Cup day. Jockey Christophe Lemaire, who guided Justin Palace to victory in the 2023 Tenno Sho (Spring), will be in the saddle once again.
Japanese Horses Seek Breeders’ Cup Glory
Three years ago, the Breeders’ Cup at Del Mar saw the first-ever victories for Japanese-based horses, with Loves Only You and Marche Lorraine securing wins. The Takarazuka Kinen, one of two all-star races in Japan where fans vote for the participants, will be broadcast live on FanDuel TV at 2:40 a.m. EDT on Sunday.
Contenders to Watch
While Do Deuce has never raced at Kyoto, Justin Palace scored a win in the Tenno Sho (Spring) (G1) at the track in April 2023. Another horse to watch is Bellagio Opera, who captured the Osaka Hai (G1) in March and has five wins in eight career starts.
“The 1 3/8-mile turf race at Kyoto Racecourse promises an exciting showdown as Japan’s top horses compete for the coveted Takarazuka Kinen title and a spot in the Breeders’ Cup Turf.”
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